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Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality
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April 2026
Hello Incubator Family,
As we move into April, it’s hard to believe we’re nearing the end of the semester, though we are not quite there yet. This time of year always brings a unique mix of momentum, reflection, and anticipation, as ideas that once lived on a blank page begin to take real shape.
At the HI Hub Incubator, that spirit of entrepreneurship is at the core of everything we do. Throughout the semester, we’ve seen students lean into uncertainty, test ideas, collaborate across disciplines, and push themselves beyond their comfort zones. That willingness to experiment, adapt, and grow is what defines this community.
Over the next two weeks, we’re excited to bring that energy to life through three upcoming events that highlight different dimensions of the entrepreneurial journey. From exploring modern paths to entrepreneurship to engaging in conversations around place and brand identity, these moments are designed to inspire new ways of thinking and open doors to future opportunities.
Most notably, our Pitch Day represents a major milestone for the Fall 2025 cohort - the culmination of months of hard work, creativity, and persistence. What began as early-stage ideas have evolved into thoughtful, developed concepts, and it’s always incredibly rewarding to see students step forward and share their vision. Pitch Day is more than a presentation—it’s a celebration of progress, resilience, and the confidence that comes from building something meaningful.
As we approach the final stretch of the semester, I want to thank each of you for the energy, curiosity, and dedication you bring to the HI Hub. This community thrives because of your willingness to engage, support one another, and embrace the entrepreneurial mindset. I look forward to seeing many of you at these upcoming events and celebrating all that you’ve accomplished together.
With appreciation and excitement,
Dr. K.
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Beyond the Blank Page: Modern Paths to Entrepreneurship
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Forget the pressure of the "million-dollar idea." Discover how the next generation of leaders are finding success through alternative paths to entrepreneurship like Search Funds, Franchising, and Acquisition. Join us to explore how you can apply your entrepreneurial spirit to proven models and lead an existing legacy into the future.
Date: Monday, April 20, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: 7 East 12th Street, Conference Room 321
Whether you're curious about franchising, corporate hospitality, or new ways to channel your entrepreneurial mindset, this is a great opportunity to learn from leaders shaping the industry.
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Pitch Your Passion & Seal the Deal 2026
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Join us for the NYU SPS Tisch Center of Hospitality HI HUB Incubator Pitch Contest, an extremely concise presentation of an entrepreneur's idea, business model, marketing strategy, competitive analysis, and financial plan, which is delivered to potential investors. The premise is that it could be made in a few minutes, should the entrepreneur spot a potential investor on an elevator and have the opportunity to pitch their idea during the brief ride.
Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Time: 11 AM - 2:30 PM EST
Location: 7 East 12th Street, Conference Room 321, New York, NY 10003 or Zoom
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Nation and Place Branding Book Launch
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Join us for the launch of Nation and Place Branding, paired with a dynamic roundtable conversation on the growing importance of city and nation brands in today’s global landscape. Together with leading destination marketing executives, they will explore how place branding shapes economic development, tourism, and global perception.
Catering will be provided.
Date: Monday, April 27th, 2026
Time: 2:30 PM - 6 PM
Location: Conference Room 321, NYU SPS Building (7 East 12th Street)
Zoom: 971 9029 9760 (https://nyu.zoom.us/j/97190299760)
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Consolidation, AI and the race to own the A-to-B journey in ground transport
AI is pushing the travel industry to rethink what it really means to be “data-driven.” In this article, Ragnar Fjölnisson outlines the three phases of AI adoption - and why many companies get stuck before real transformation happens. The key takeaway? Lasting impact requires more than tools; it demands a stronger foundation.
Read the full article by PhocusWire.
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What I’ve learnt from running a business in America
Navigating business across the Atlantic isn’t just about strategy—it’s about culture. In this piece, Caroline Plumb shares her firsthand experience leading a company with strong UK–US ties, unpacking differences in risk appetite, workplace norms, and employee expectations. From the flexibility of US hiring practices to the emphasis on job security in the UK, she highlights how each approach shapes company culture—and why blending the best of both is key to building trust and driving growth.
Read the full article by The Times.
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Watch Out for the ‘Off-Grid’ Problem Hiding in Your Business Model
Strong business models often rely on economies of scale—but what happens when customers start leaving? In this article, Neel Somani introduces the “off-grid problem,” explaining how the same forces that drive growth can quickly turn into liabilities when fixed costs are spread across fewer users. As churn increases, costs rise and performance can decline, creating a potential downward spiral. The takeaway: leaders need to plan not just for growth, but for what happens if their model starts to unwind.
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| Get to Know Your Fall 2025 Cohort Founders!
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Soham Poddar - ReachhhHow did you come up with the idea for this business?
"The idea actually came from my mom’s jewelry business. She’s a professional diamond designer, and during her first exhibition, we wanted to expand her reach beyond friends and family through influencer collaborations. But we faced three main problems: finding the right influencers, determining fair pricing, and avoiding overcharging. That experience made me realize there wasn’t a platform where small businesses could easily discover and connect with local influencers — a kind of “Amazon for influencer marketing.” Around the same time, my gym trainer mentioned he wanted to earn money through brand collaborations but didn’t know how. I saw a clear gap on both sides — brands struggling to find influencers, and influencers wanting better access to paid opportunities. That’s how Reachhh was born: a marketplace for brands and creators to connect and monetize influence seamlessly."
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Jerry Da - We.Tour LLCWhy did you decide to participate in the HI Hub Incubator Program?
"When we first started developing We.Tour, I looked for resources within NYU SPS, since we have strong hospitality and tourism programs. I discovered Professor Karaburun (“Dr. K”), met with him in March, and shared my idea. He loved that We.Tour could give college students new opportunities to earn income while using their free time productively — paying for tuition or other needs. He encouraged me to apply to the Incubator Program, and that’s how I joined."
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Jacob Gorovoy - Yasha's Breakfast SandwichesHave you worked with any alumni or mentors on this project? If so, who and what was that experience like?
"Yes, I have worked with Professor Ronald Naples at NYU SPS for a little over a year now. Honestly, it has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had thus far as a student at NYU. He’s helped me grow in so many ways as an entrepreneur and was the first person to unlock the potential within me and Yasha’s Breakfast Sandwiches as a concept. Professor Naples has been an incredible mentor in my life."
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Quote of the Month
"I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.”
- Stephen Covey
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